Zakynthos Travel Guide: Your Complete 2024 Island Adventure

I've been to Zakynthos three times now, and I'm still not tired of that moment when the boat rounds the cliffs and Navagio Beach comes into view. That impossibly turquoise water, the rusted shipwreck sitting on white sand, limestone cliffs towering overhead—every photo you've seen is accurate, but somehow it's still more stunning in person.

But here's what surprised me most about Zakynthos (or Zante, as the locals call it): it's so much more than just the famous shipwreck beach. Yes, you'll get your Instagram shots. But you'll also swim in hidden caves, watch endangered sea turtles nest at sunset, and discover mountain villages where time seems to have stopped.

This Ionian island manages to be many things at once—a nature lover's paradise, a party destination, a peaceful retreat, and a family-friendly beach escape. The trick is knowing where to go for what you want.

Why Visit Zakynthos

Zakynthos sits in that sweet spot of Greek islands that aren't completely overrun (looking at you, Mykonos) but still have solid infrastructure and direct international flights. It's more affordable than Santorini, more varied than Crete's beach resorts, and way more accessible than remote islands that require three ferry connections.

The island is perfect for first-time Greek island visitors who want to tick multiple boxes. Beach lovers get some of Greece's most photogenic coastline. Nature enthusiasts can spot loggerhead sea turtles and explore dramatic caves. Party animals have Laganas strip. Culture seekers find traditional villages and Byzantine churches.

Who might not love it? If you're seeking authentic Greek island life untouched by tourism, Zakynthos isn't your place. Parts of it (especially Laganas) are very developed and touristy. The famous beaches get crowded during peak season, and prices reflect the island's popularity.

Quick Facts / At a Glance

• Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
• How many days needed: 4-6 days
• Budget estimate: €45-120 per day depending on style
• Getting there: Direct flights from major European cities, or ferry from mainland Greece
• Getting around: Rent a car for maximum flexibility
• Main airport: Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH)
• Must-see: Navagio Beach, Blue Caves, turtle spotting at Gerakas Beach

Best Time to Visit Zakynthos

Spring (April-May): This is when I fell in love with the island. Temperatures hover around 20-24°C, perfect for hiking and exploring. Most hotels and restaurants are open by May, but crowds haven't arrived yet. Flight prices are reasonable, and you'll actually get good photos at famous spots without fighting for position. The wildflowers are incredible in April.

Summer (June-August): Peak season reality check—it's hot (often 30°C+), crowded, and expensive. But the energy is infectious, especially if you're here to party. All tours operate, beaches have full facilities, and the sea is perfect for swimming. June is the sweet spot before July-August madness hits. Book everything in advance.

Fall (September-October): Many travelers prefer this to summer, and I get why. The sea is still warm from summer heat, crowds thin out after mid-September, and temperatures drop to comfortable levels. This is turtle nesting season, so wildlife watching is at its best. October can be unpredictable weather-wise, but early fall is magic.

Winter (November-March): Most tourists skip winter entirely, which is a shame if you like peace and quiet. Many hotels and restaurants close, ferry schedules reduce, and weather is unpredictable. But I spent three days here in February once and loved the dramatic storms and empty beaches. Just don't expect beach weather or full services.

How to Get to Zakynthos

By Air: Direct flights connect Zakynthos to major European cities during summer season. I've flown direct from London, Amsterdam, and several German cities. Budget airlines like Ryanair serve the route, with flights ranging €50-150 depending on season and booking timing.

Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) sits about 15 minutes from the main town. The airport is small but efficient. Taxis to town cost €15-30, while buses run for €2-4. I usually book a private transfer for €25-50 through my hotel—worth it after a long travel day.

By Ferry: The ferry from Kyllini on the mainland takes about 90 minutes and costs €30-50 including a car. Ferryhopper has the most up-to-date schedules and lets you book online. The Kyllini-Zakynthos route runs year-round, though winter schedules are reduced.

Getting to Kyllini from Athens takes about 4-5 hours by bus (€30-50 total journey). It's longer than flying but gives you beautiful mainland scenery and costs less.

Pro tip: If you're island-hopping, ferries also connect Zakynthos to Kefalonia, making it easy to combine both Ionian islands.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Best Areas:

Zakynthos Town: The island's capital offers the best restaurants, nightlife, and cultural sites. It's not directly on a beach, but you're 20 minutes from most major beaches by bus or car. Best for people who want to explore different beaches each day.

Laganas: Party central with clubs, bars, and British tourists. The beach is decent but nothing special. Choose this if you're here to party and don't mind noise. Avoid if you want peace and quiet.

Vassilikos Peninsula: My personal favorite area for families and couples. Beautiful beaches like Gerakas and Porto Zoro, quieter than Laganas, but still has good restaurants and hotels. Rent a car if staying here.

Kalamaki: Good middle ground between party scene and tranquility. Nice beach, some nightlife, but more relaxed than Laganas. Popular with families.

Budget Options (€40-80): For budget accommodations, I recommend staying in Zakynthos Town and taking buses to beaches. Look for family-run guesthouses or apartments slightly inland from the main tourist areas.

Mid-Range (€80-150): AMINA APARTMENTS in Zakynthos Town offers excellent value at €106/night with an 8.4/10 rating. The self-catering setup is perfect for longer stays, and the location puts you walking distance from restaurants and the port.

Diana Hotel is another solid choice at €122/night with 8.2/10 rating. Well-appointed rooms in the heart of town make it ideal for couples wanting comfort without luxury prices.

For something special, Sole Mare Boutique Hotel gets a 9/10 rating for €141/night. The design is lovely, and you get sea views—rare in this price range.

Splurge Options (€150+): Phoenix Hotel at €178/night offers excellent facilities and a central location. The 8.5/10 rating reflects consistently satisfied guests.

Palatino Hotel steps up the luxury at €186/night with premium amenities and an 8.8/10 rating. Perfect for discerning travelers who want top-tier comfort.

For the ultimate experience, Bitzaro Boutique Hotel at €223/night is exceptional. The 9.1/10 rating and boutique charm make it ideal for honeymooners or anyone wanting a memorable stay.

Things to Do in Zakynthos

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach You can't visit Zakynthos without seeing the most photographed beach in Greece. The only access is by boat, and yes, it gets crowded. But honestly? It's still worth it. That water really is that blue, and the shipwreck (from a smuggling vessel that ran aground in 1980) looks surreal against the white sand.

Book the Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land & Sea Tour for €50. The 7-9 hour small group tour includes pickup and covers both major sights. The guides know the best photo spots and timing.

Pro tip: Book the earliest departure (before 10am) to avoid crowds. Bring your own water—beach vendors charge premium prices.

Blue Caves These sea caves along the northern coast create incredible blue light effects when the sun hits the water. Swimming here feels otherworldly. Most boat tours combine this with Navagio Beach, which makes perfect sense.

The water is clearest in the morning before boats stir up the sediment. Bring a waterproof camera—the blue glow is impossible to capture perfectly, but you'll want to try.

Turtle Spotting at Gerakas Beach Zakynthos is one of the few places in Europe where endangered loggerhead sea turtles nest. Gerakas Beach, on the southern tip, is the best spot to see them. Visit during early morning or evening to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.

The Zakynthos: Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Speedboat Tour covers the best turtle spotting areas in 2.5-3 hours for €31. The speedboat gets you to remote spots tour buses can't reach.

Pro tip: Book the earliest departure to avoid midday heat. Bring sunscreen, hat, and light jacket for wind.

Keri Caves Less famous than the Blue Caves but equally stunning. The limestone formations create natural arches and hidden swimming spots. Small boat tours here are more intimate than the large tourist boats elsewhere.

I loved swimming in the secluded coves here—crystal clear water and dramatic rock formations make it feel like your private paradise.

Marathonisi (Turtle Island) This small island off the coast looks like a turtle from above (hence the name). The beaches here are important turtle nesting sites, and the snorkeling is excellent. Only accessible by boat tour.

Anafonitria Monastery For a cultural break from beaches, this 15th-century monastery in the island's interior offers peace and beautiful views. The drive through mountain villages is scenic, and you'll see a different side of Zakynthos.

Zakynthos Town The capital rebuilt after a devastating 1953 earthquake has lovely neoclassical architecture, good museums, and the best restaurant scene on the island. Solomos Square is perfect for evening drinks, and the Byzantine Museum has impressive religious art.

Porto Limnionas Beach My favorite hidden gem. This tiny beach between dramatic cliffs requires a short hike down a rocky path, which keeps crowds away. The water is incredibly clear, perfect for snorkeling. No facilities, so bring water and snacks.

Xigia Beach The sulfur springs here are supposed to have therapeutic properties. The beach itself is beautiful—pebbles and crystal-clear water surrounded by white cliffs. The sulfur smell is noticeable but not overwhelming.

Mount Skopos The highest point on the island offers panoramic views and several hiking trails. The sunrise from here is spectacular, and you'll see the entire southern coast spread below you.

Where to Eat & Drink in Zakynthos

Must-try local dishes:

• Fresh seafood (especially grilled octopus and sea bream)
• Local wines from island vineyards
• Traditional Greek dishes with an Ionian twist
• Local olive oil and honey

Zakynthos Town has the best concentration of authentic tavernas. Avoid the tourist strips near the port and head inland for better value and quality.

Vassilikos Peninsula offers excellent seafood restaurants with sea views. Prices are higher than town but the settings are romantic.

For budget eating, look for mezedopolio (small plates restaurants) where locals gather. A full meal with wine costs €15-25 per person at these spots.

Best dining areas:

• Zakynthos Town center for variety and authentic atmosphere
• Bohali village (above town) for sunset views
• Vassilikos for beachside dining
• Avoid Laganas strip unless you want British pub food

Getting Around Zakynthos

Rent a car if you want to see the island properly. Public buses connect major beaches and towns but run infrequently outside summer season. Car rental costs €25-45 per day, and you'll need it to reach the best viewpoints and hidden beaches.

Parking is free at most beaches but can fill up quickly at popular spots like Navagio viewpoint. I always start early to secure parking and better photos.

Local buses cost €2-5 to main beaches and run from Zakynthos Town. The bus station is near the port, and schedules are posted (though not always reliable). Perfect if you're staying in town and only visiting major beaches.

Taxis are expensive for longer distances but convenient for airport transfers or short trips. A taxi from town to popular beaches costs €15-25 each way.

Walking and biking work well in Zakynthos Town and flat coastal areas, but the island is hilly and distances between attractions are significant.

Insider Tips for Zakynthos

Transportation: Book Navagio Beach boat trips early in the morning (before 10am) to avoid crowds. The famous viewpoint is accessible by car, but parking fills up fast—arrive before 9am or after 5pm for the best experience.

Money-Saving: Visit Keri Caves by small boat for the best swimming spots away from crowds. These tours cost less than the famous Blue Caves trips and offer more intimate experiences.

Best Times: For turtle watching, visit Gerakas Beach early morning or evening. Turtles are most active when temperatures are cooler, and you won't disturb nesting activities.

Hidden Gems: Avoid Laganas if you want peace and quiet—try Vassilikos or Kalamaki instead. These areas offer beautiful beaches without the party atmosphere and British pub scene.

Food & Drink: Head to mountain villages like Keri or Anafonitria for authentic tavernas where locals eat. Prices are lower than coastal restaurants, and the food is often better.

Photography: The Navagio Beach viewpoint offers the classic shot, but for unique angles, book a boat tour that approaches from different directions. Late afternoon light is most dramatic.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions Morning: Land at Zakynthos Airport and transfer to your hotel in town. Check into Sole Mare Boutique Hotel for mid-range comfort with sea views.

Afternoon: Explore Zakynthos Town on foot. Visit Solomos Square, browse local shops, and get oriented. Take the bus to nearby Kalamaki Beach for your first swim and sunset.

Evening: Dinner in Zakynthos Town at a traditional taverna in the back streets. Try fresh grilled fish and local wine.

Day 2: The Famous Sights Morning: Early departure for the Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land & Sea Tour. This full-day tour covers the island's two most famous attractions.

Lunch: Included in tour or eat on the boat

Afternoon: Continue with Blue Caves swimming and sightseeing

Evening: Return to town exhausted but happy. Light dinner and early rest.

Day 3: Turtles and Hidden Gems Morning: Drive to Gerakas Beach for turtle spotting (if you didn't book yesterday's turtle tour). The beach itself is beautiful even without turtle sightings.

Lunch: Beachside taverna at Vassilikos

Afternoon: Book the Zakynthos: Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Speedboat Tour for €31 to see more remote areas and better turtle spotting opportunities.

Evening: Sunset dinner in Bohali village overlooking the town and harbor.

Need help planning your perfect Zakynthos itinerary? Try our AI Greek Trip Planner to create a personalized trip based on your preferences.

Budget Breakdown

Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort

Accommodation | €35-50 | €80-140 | €180-220

Food & Drink | €20-30 | €35-50 | €60-80

Transport | €15-25 | €25-40 | €40-60

Activities | €20-35 | €40-60 | €80-120

Daily Total | €90-140 | €180-290 | €340-480

Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses, eat at local tavernas, use buses, and choose free activities like hiking and swimming.

Mid-range travelers get comfortable hotels, mix of restaurant dining and local spots, car rental flexibility, and popular tours.

Comfort travelers enjoy boutique hotels, fine dining, private transfers, and premium tours without worrying about costs.

These estimates work for understanding relative costs, but your actual spending depends on season, specific choices, and how much you eat and drink. If you're planning a longer Greek adventure, check out our Greece itinerary 7 days guide or 10-day Greece itinerary for multi-destination planning.

For detailed budget planning across Greece, our complete budget guide breaks down costs by region and travel style.

Final Thoughts

Zakynthos surprised me with its diversity. Yes, the famous Instagram spots live up to the hype—that first glimpse of Navagio Beach still gives me chills. But it's the unexpected moments I remember most: swimming in hidden caves, watching baby turtles make their way to the sea, discovering mountain villages where old men play backgammon in the shade.

The island works for almost every type of traveler, which is both its strength and weakness. You'll share space with party-goers, families, nature lovers, and Instagram hunters. But if you're strategic about timing and location, you can experience the Zakynthos you want.

My advice? Rent a car, start early, and don't try to see everything in a few days. The island rewards those who take time to explore beyond the famous sights. Those hidden coves and mountain tavernas are worth the extra effort.

Would I go back? Already planning my fourth visit.

Ready to plan your perfect Greek adventure? Try our AI Greek Trip Planner to create a personalized itinerary based on your preferences, travel style, and available time.